ISRO initiated a 24-hour countdown on December 23, 2025, for the LVM3-M6 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, deploying the BlueBird Block-2 satellite at 8:54 AM IST on December 24. Weighing 6,100 kg, this marks the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 into Low Earth Orbit at around 520 km, under a commercial pact with US firm AST SpaceMobile via NewSpace India Ltd. The advanced satellite, featuring a massive 223-square-metre phased-array antenna, will deliver direct 4G/5G broadband to unmodified smartphones, boosting connectivity in remote regions like the Himalayas, oceans, and deserts while advancing India’s prowess in global commercial space launches. This ninth LVM3 flight reinforces India’s leadership in reliable, cost-effective space access.